BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME

Is there any colder thing to say to someone? Oh, I guess you could add, "loser," or any litany of expletives to make it worse, but it seems to me after saying "better luck next time," you've pretty much wasted the person.

First of all, you're assuming that luck has something to do with the situation. And we all know that if someone says we're lucky, then that person is doubting our ability. In others words, our good fortune was just that. Not something we achieved on merit or worth.

Next time implies there will be another opportunity. Seemingly, this opportunity will have the same result. That is, a failure by us. Unless good luck or good fortune befalls us.

The implication is that it won't. Furthermore, the implication is that even if we are fortunate, we'll still lose, because we are a loser.

Verbal irony is the lowest form of humor. And when we're told, "Better luck next time," it's total verbal irony. "I hope to heck you don't have better luck," is what's behind those words. Or an addendum, "you'll need it."

If you want to be cold as ice to someone, then use that expression. I can't think of many that are crueler.